Bayonne’s Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has provided the City of Bayonne with updated information on the Bayonne Bridge construction project.

At Pier N2 , south of 1^st Street, by the Kill Van Kull shoreline, work continues on constructing footings.

 At Piers N3, N4, and N5, south of 1^st Street, work has been completed for now.

 At Piers N6 & Pier N7,  north of 1^st Street (between 1^st and 2^nd Streets), the Port  Authority will be working in this area until December.

 At Pier N8, between 2^nd & Gertrude Street behind Ideal Windows,

 bridge work has been completed for now.  The Port Authority is working with Ideal to  design a new fire exit for employees.

 At Pier N9 – between Gertrude & 3^rd Street behind “The Bridge” indoor skate park, Pier N10 – 3^rd Street (south side), Pier N11 – 3^rd Street (north side), and Pier N12,  between Juliette & 4^th Streets Slootsky Park on Juliette Street side, pier erection is in progress with the new crane.

At Pier N13, between Juliette & 4^th Streets, Slootsky Park 4^th Street side, pier tops have been installed with the crane since late March.

 At Pier N14, Margaret Street, gantry operation for placing roadway segments has started at night (9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.) between Margaret and 4^th Streets. This will be in place for about three more weeks.

 At Pier N15, the abutment, the gantry has its base of operations.

 Street Closures: West 3^rd Street will be closed until July 2015.  West 4^th will be closed until June 2015.  Either Juliette or Gertrude Street will be closed daily from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. While these sections of roadway are closed, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only.  No through traffic can travel under the Bayonne Bridge.  No other streets will be closed while all three above streets are closed.

 Memorial Day Schedule: The Bayonne Bridge will remain open without any closures from Friday, May 22, at 5:00  a.m. until Tuesday, May 26,  at 9:00 a.m.

 Fatherâ€s Day: The Bayonne Bridge will remain open without any closures from Saturday, June 20, at 8:00 a.m. until Monday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Residential Assistance Programs – Residents Inside Work Zone:  The following programs are available through the Port Authority: Power Washing – Car Wash Certificates – Damage Claim – Pool Cleaning. For more information on these programs, call Tai White Johnson at 718-390-3003

Hotel: If residents feel inconvenienced due to noise or if they have any safety concerns while construction is underway near their home, they can participate in the Port Authorityâ€s Hotel Stay Program. O. R. Colan Associates (ORC) is the Port Authorityâ€s agent. Residents must contact them to confirm their eligibility and to book a reservation at a specific hotel in Staten Island, Jersey City, or Newark (airport area). They will arrange for a comfortable setting. ORC can be reached at 201-301-6263 or by email at bbnmp@orcolan.com. Residents do not need to be a homeowner to participate in this program.

Window Replacement: Homeowners are still eligible for the Window Replacement Program. They should call ORC at 201-301-6263 for details and an enrollment package.

Bridge Closure Information: Call 855-265-5482 and Press 1.

Bayonne Bridge Travel Alerts & Advisories: Port Authority Bridge & Tunnel Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of 20 minute holds, bridge closures, incidents or events that may  delays trips across the Bayonne Bridge or other Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Go to http://www.paalerts.com  and click on Register for Port Authority Alerts

Free Bridge Shuttle: The free shuttle will provide alternate transportation for pedestrians and cyclists who use the sidewalk during the Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” construction project.  The free service will operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during May, including on holiday weekends and on weekends when daytime closures of the Bayonne Bridge are not scheduled.

Beginning in June and concluding in October 2015, due to scheduled weekend closures of the bridge, shuttle service will only be offered on Sundays from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.  It will depart Staten Island every hour on the hour from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  It will depart Bayonne every hour on the half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The post Bayonne Bridge Update first appeared on River View Observer.

 Reality TV star Drita Dâ€Avanzo of Mob Wives VH1 sometimes talks like a thug on camera but when it comes to cosmetics sheâ€s a a girlie-girl.

 On Thursday, August 2nd,  Dâ€Avanzo greeted fans and took to the stage at the Staten Island Mall to unveil her new line of make-up, “Just Me.” A former fashion model, Dâ€Avanzo isnâ€t just lending her celebrity to sell lipstick to the masses. She actually went to school to study skincare and make-up and starting her own cosmetics line has been a dream ever since she was a tomboy growing up in the Projects. For those of you unfamiliar with Mob Wives (VH1, Sunday nights at 8) the showâ€s title tells all. Dâ€Avanzo and her co-stars married men who arenâ€t 9-to-5ers, but rather, wiseguys with connections to crime families. For Dâ€Avanzo, she was still a newlywed when police arrested her husband, Lee, and sent him to prison for five years. Like other women who have had to pick up the pieces after a life-changing event, Dâ€Avanzo went to school to study cosmetology. When a friend suggested the idea for a Reality TV show, Dâ€Avanzo signed on.   

At the Staten Island Mall, customers lined up to buy lipsticks and lip plumpers and with just an hour to go before premiering her products, Dâ€Avanzo took a few minutes to talk with the Riverview Observer about her new life as a Reality TV star and cosmetics designer.

 RVO: Hi Drita, can you share with our readers how “Just Me” came about?

DD: I used to model and watch how the make-up artists did my makeup and I was amazed at how they made me look. When Lee went to jail, I took a job in a high-end department store. I worked all the counters. I loved selling and dealing with everyoneâ€s makeup. I knew I wanted to make high-end products affordable.

 RVO: What makes your cosmetics different or better?

DD: I am big on scent and I hate sticky. What makes it different? A lot of cosmetics are created by professional make-up artists. Nobody was behind the counter like I was. For seven years, I listened to a lot of women and what they wanted. All these things give me a lot of leverage.

 RVO: Will you be working your new cosmetics into the show?

DD: Yes. The makeup artist for the show uses my lipsticks. Big Ang (another Mob Wife on the show) loves my lipsticks and Carla (also a Mob Wife on the show) loves my lip plumper. My main goal is to have a beautiful, cool store with a DJ, and a  place for girls to get their make-up done and hair styled.

RVO: How did Mob Wives come about?

DD: My friend Jenn (Jennifer “Jenn” Graziano) for 20 years always had the idea we should do something that showed our lives and lifestyles. Reality TV was such a big thing and Jenn had the balls to do it. (Mob Wives debuted on VH on April 17, 2011.)

 RVO: Are you really as tough as you seem on the show?

DD: I was always tough. Growing up, I was a major tomboy and I had a very bad temper. I was in so many fights.

RVO: Whatâ€s the difference between a regular wife and a mob wife?

DD:  As a mob wife, youâ€re kind of treated like a celebrity. I always had that being married to Lee. Everybody knows you.  But you know, I was married only three weeks when Lee was being taken away to prison. He did five years. Then two years.

RVO:  Arenâ€t you afraid that you might be spilling some secrets on the show?

DD:  Leeâ€s story and that of other mob wives†husbands has been in books and movies. Theyâ€ve been out there.

 RVO: Can you tell our readers a little about your background?

DD: I was born and raised in Staten Island and grew up in the Projects. I graduated from Staten Island High School and I attended the College of Staten Island. Then I studied make-up at the Lea Shorr Institute in Manhattan; I went there when Lee when to jail.

 RVO: What are the perks of being a reality TV star?

DD: My life has changed. Itâ€s not like I can go anywhere. I have fans that adore me and wish the best for me. These are phenomenal things. Itâ€s a blessing. The perks are what Iâ€m doing now. I have the ability to live the dream.

 RVO: What is the downside?

DD: Itâ€s hard. At the end of the day Iâ€m still a single mom.

Want to find out more about Drita D’Avanzo visit her website Drita

 

 

 

 

 

The post Mob Wife’s Counter Punch Drita D’Avanzo of Reality TV’s “Mob Wives” Debuts New Cosmetics Line first appeared on River View Observer.

Founder of the Enrico Caruso Museum of America

 

Wednesday, June 1 at 7:00 PM

 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear “The World’s Greatest Tenor”

Played on the cutting-edge technology of his day

 

Staten Island, New York, May 24, 2011 – Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation is pleased to announce that Cavaliere Ufficiale Aldo Mancusi, founder of the Enrico Caruso Museum of America will present “The Life & Times of Enrico Caruso” on Wednesday, June 1 at 7:00 PM.

 Mr. Mancusi will share stories of Caruso’s life as well as some selections from the Museum’s extensive collection of rare Caruso video, memorabilia and original recordings.  As an added treat, he will also bring a 1910 Victor wind-up phonograph that he lovingly restored so that participants can listen to Caruso the way he was intended to be heard – played on the cutting-edge technology of his day!

 “I recently had the opportunity to visit the Enrico Caruso Museum of America;” said Louis Calvelli, Casa Belvedere’s Executive Director.  “The museum is a gem and Mr. Mancusi’s passion and affection for Caruso and his talent really shines when he speaks about this unique individual.  Listening to Caruso on the vintage phonographs was an absolute treat that should not be missed.” 

 Enrico Caruso was born in Naples, Italy on February 25, 1873, and sang to great acclaim at the major opera houses of Europe and North and South America. His operatic career, spanning the years 1895 to 1920, was cut short by a serious illness which ended his life on August 2, 1921. Almost a century later he continues to remain famous and he has been a great influence on all subsequent Italian tenors. While Caruso sang at most of the world’s foremost opera theaters- including La Scala in Milan, the Royal Opera House in London and Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, he is best known for being lead tenor of the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he appeared over 800 times in 18 consecutive seasons. In addition to the unique quality of his voice, Caruso’s global success is credited to his sharp business sense and to his enthusiastic use of the cutting-edge technology of his time-commercial sound recording. Caruso made more than 260 recordings in America for the Victor Talking Machine Company (later RCA Victor) over a 16-year period and earned millions of dollars in royalties from the sales of the resulting 78-rpm discs. Caruso also appeared in a number of newsreels, a short experimental film made by Thomas Edison and two commercial motion pictures.

 Listening to some of those recordings as a young boy sparked a lifelong passion in Aldo Mancusi that led him to found the Enrico Caruso Museum of America. The seed for the museum was planted when Aldo’s father, Everisto, came to America from Italy in 1920. As Everisto’s love for Italian opera grew so did his collection of recordings; which eventually numbered 300 records. Aldo continued to build on his father’s collection and in 1990 he donated his private collection and space to create the Enrico Caruso Museum of America in Brooklyn, NY. He was awarded the title Cavaliere Ufficiale for his efforts by the Italian Government.  The Enrico Caruso Museum of America is maintained by contributions and grants from the National Italian-American Foundation, the Sons of Italy and the Brooklyn Arts Council as well as memberships of museum patrons and the sale of books, records and opera mementos. The museum is registered with the New York State Education Department and offers programs for all ages especially for students and seniors.

Thousands of people have visited the museum to see rare books, records, letters, photos and mementos of Caruso and his family and to watch Caruso videos screened in the museum’s 20-seat mini theater with chairs and décor from the Old Metropolitan Opera House.

 Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation is a unique 2.75 acre cultural campus and community center on Staten Island’s Grymes Hill with an amazing view of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and the New York City Harbor. It is a registered 501(c) (3) not for profit organization that seeks to preserve, promote, and celebrate the rich heritage of Italy by encouraging an appreciation of the Italian language, arts, literature, history, fashion, cuisine, and commerce through various educational programs, exhibits and events. 

 For reservations, information and to subscribe to the mailing list to learn more about the upcoming events and programs, call 718-273-7660, e-mail info@casa-belvedere.org or click on to www.casa-belvedere.org. 

 The suggested donation for admission is $20. Wine, cheese, and light fare will be served.  Space is limited and reservations are required.

 Casa Belvedere, The Italian Cultural Foundation, Inc.

“A Unique Campus Showcasing the Rich Heritage & Culture of Italy”

79 Howard Avenue

Staten Island, NY 10301

T. 718-273-7660

F. 718-273-0020

E. info@casa-belvedere.org

www.casa-belvedere.org

Click Here to View 3D Virtual Campus Belvedere Tour

The post Casa Belvedere PresentsThe Life and Times of Enrico Caruso first appeared on River View Observer.

 

 Here is a restaurant  list I will be updating every month by adding new restaurants in our  River View Observer Print publication and here at riverviewobserver.com

Try one of these fine restuarants for a delicious night out.- Enjoy Herb 

More DINING STORIES

Abbyâ€s Pub                                                                  
407 Monmouth Street
Cor. Of 3rd off
Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ
201-963-3334

Amandaâ€s
908 Washington Street,
Hoboken, NJ
201-798-0101

Ameliaâ€s
187 Warren Street,
Historic Downtown
Jersey City, NJ
201-332-2200

Arthurâ€s Tavern
237 Washington Street,
Hoboken, NJ
201-656-5009

Baja
101 Washington Street,
Hoboken, NJ
201-653-0610

Baja 2
117 Montgomery Street
(Historic Downtown), Jersey City
201-915-0062

Bangkok City
Restauarnt
335 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ
201-792-6613

Bareliâ€s
219 E. Route 3
Secaucus, NJ 07094
201-865-2766

Big Apple Restaurant
And Catering
414 Broadway,
Bayonne, NJ
201-858-1075

Biggies Clam Bar
318 Madison Street
Hoboken, NJ
201-656-2161

Benitoâ€s Restaurant
7000 Boulevard East
Guttenberg, NJ
201-854-4114

Brass Rail Restaurant
135 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ
201-659-7074

Brownstone Diner
& Pancake House
426 Jersey Avenue,
Jersey City, NJ
201-433-0471

Buon Appetito
906-908 Broadway
Cor of 43rd Street
Bayonne, NJ
201-436-0043

Casa Dante Restaurant
737 Newark Ave
Jersey City
201-795-2750

Coach House
Kennedy Blvd & Paterson
Plank Road ( 9th St.)
North Bergen, NJ
201-864-8600

Da Noi Restaurant
1105 Ave. C,
Bayonne, NJ
201-437-5578

Edwards Steak House
239 Marin Blvd.
Jersey City, NJ
201-761-0000

Franks Waterside
7800 B River Road
North Bergen, NJ
201-861-0700

Grand Banks
75 Montgomery Street
Historic Downtown
Jersey City, NJ
201-521-1800

Hendricksonâ€s
671 Broadway
Bayonne,nj
201-437-4955

Italia Restaurant
275 Broadway
Bayonne, NJ
201-823-9969

Just Sonnyâ€s
169 Sterling Avenue
Jersey City
201-434-9413

Komegashi
103 Montgomery Street
Jersey City, NJ
201-433-4567

Komegashi Too
99 Pavonia Avenue
Jersey City, NJ
201-533-8888

Laicoâ€s Restaurant
67 Terhune Ave
Jersey City, NJ
201-4344115

Lincoln Inn
13 Lincoln Street
Jersey City, NJ
201-659-8686

Little Food Café
330 Kennedy Blvd
Bayonne, NJ
201-436-6800

Maxwells
1039Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ
201-798-0406

Ten East Restaurant
Route 440 North
125 Lefante Way
Bayonne, NJ
201-437-1212

 This is a partial list and more restaurants will be added shortly- if you would like to submit the name of a restuarant to add to our list  please comment below – Thanks Herb

 

 

 

 

 

 

The post Man Without A Kitchen -Our Guide to Excellent Dining in Hudson County first appeared on River View Observer.